We all are aware of the importance of having a fire suppression system. While there are different types of fire protection systems, each are designed to serve for a specific purpose. The 3 basic elements of a fire triangle are oxygen, fuel source and heat. Every fire protection system works by cutting one of these 3 resources. In the process of restricting the fire or protecting from it, some suppression systems leaves a great after damage, which might cost more than the accident itself.
To protect from fire while reducing the after damage, technical advancements lead to the discovery of a new protection system called Clean Agent Fire Suppression System. They are different from the traditional systems like wet and dry chemicals. Clean Agent suppression systems use chemicals that restricts the combustion process and protects from fire. It can be used on electronics and leave no harm to human or environment. It leaves little to less after damage making it the most preferred Fire Suppression System.
Types:
Clean Agent Fire Suppression System can be further divided into different categories based on the agent used. Most preferred systems among different types of Clean Agents are FM 200 system and NOVEC.
FM-200:
It is a waterless fire protection system that is also known as HFC227ea. It works by removing the heat elements of the fire triangle.
The amount of agent used to supress the fire is considerably low which makes it require less space for storage of cylinders. They take the least space among all the other fire suppressant systems. The time required to limit the damage of fire is less than 10 seconds. You can continue your business even after the accident in a short time.
FM 200 found its place in the market and is used widely. They are safe for both humans and environment and release no chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. The agents of the fire suppression system can be easily refilled after use.
It is tested and proved to be effective for Class C fires.
NOVEC
Novec system uses agents that belongs to halocarbon family which are an alternative of hydrofluorocarbon. Novec is ranked one among all the clean agents for the safety usage standards on humans. The agent of NOVEC system is stores in liquid form and turns gas when released.
Like fm 200 system it extinguishes fire in seconds, before it erupts and reduces the damage. They are safe to use in places where paper and electronic damage cannot be sustained. Novec uses waterless fire suppression agents that leaves no residue and easy to clean-up.
It is recommended for Class A, B and C fire accidents.
Benefits of choosing a clean agent fire suppression system
- The primary benefit of using a clean agent fire suppression system is that they are safe to use on electronics. Fire suppression system that used wet or dry chemicals harm the electronics that are present in the room. In most cases the electronics and the important files that are present in the room get damaged due to the chemicals in the suppression systems. Unlike the rest, Clean Agents use chemicals that are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and non-volatile. They are safe to protect valuable assets along with fire protection.
- Most of the suppression system used chemicals that are harmful for the ozone layer. They cause an irreparable damage to the environment when used for protection against fire. But, unlike them, Clean Agent suppression systems are safe due to their low emissions and does no harm to the environment.
- Some of the dry chemical-based fire suppression system causes suffocation for people inside the room. Those type of chemicals harm the human body. But Clean Agent on the other hand is safe to be used in a room filled with people. They cause no harm to the human body when inhaled.
- It takes 10 seconds for the clean agent fire suppression system to activate and take control over the fire. This system is known to take over the fire in the initial stages and reduce damage. It is fast and efficient.
- Using chemicals that are dry or in powdered form costs a fortune to clean it up after the accident. As we already know, the agents used in the clean agent fire suppression system evaporates quickly and leaves no residue thereby reduces the clean-up costs.